Taking a Two-Pronged Approach

63% of the IT pros surveyed said their company is adopting a two-pronged IT approach, with one group focusing on predictability and operations and the other focusing on innovation.

Influencing Tech Decisions

22% of the IT professionals said that beyond the IT department, product development has the most influence over technology decisions.

Integrating the IoT

49% said they have begun to integrate the internet of things (IoT) into their technology strategies related to consumer engagement.

Above-Average Infrastructure

Asked to grade their IT infrastructure, the IT professionals surveyed gave an average grade of "B," up from a "B-" last year. 53% said optimization and upgrading hardware and software are the biggest pain points.

The line between business and technology strategies has begun to blur, according to a new study, and IT personnel increasingly operate at the core of their organizations. As a result, IT leaders face two sets of challenges: executing day-to-day IT operations efficiently and cost-effectively, and developing the technological foundations for innovation and future growth, according to the "2017 Intelligent Technology Index" report from cloud and service solutions firm Insight. But IT executives must find the right balance. If they focus too heavily on one, they may neglect the other, so they must balance today's priorities with future demands. "IT leaders may be showing improved optimization around their ability to manage their IT infrastructures today," said Steve Dodenhoff, president of Insight U.S., "but they are also equally as apprehensive about the future. …They not only need to operate to meet today's business needs, but they also need to navigate emergent technologies, applications and complex data environments." The survey, conducted by the Market Insights Group, sampled 401 IT professionals with decision-making responsibilities. Following are the report's highlights.

Karen A. Frenkel writes about technology and innovation and lives in New York City.

Have the latest technology news and resources emailed to you everyday.

Articles by Type

Advertiser Disclosure:
Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which QuinStreet receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. QuinStreet does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.